Adorable birdseed ornaments are an inexpensive activity the whole family can enjoy making on a lazy weekend afternoon. The kids will have a ball making them, and the birds will enjoy eating them. The first version offered here produces cookie-shaped ornaments kids especially love, but they really only work in cold climates where the ornaments remain frozen. In warmer climates, the second version is ideal.
How to Make Birdseed Christmas Ornaments
By Mavis Butterfield
Things You'll Need
4 cups birdseed
3/4 cup flour
1/2 cup water
1 envelope unflavored gelatin
3 tablespoons corn syrup
1 lb lard
Cookie cutters
Cookie sheet
Parchment paper
Cooking spray
2 straws
Twine
A birdseed ornament hangs on a bare branch.
(Image: mavis butterfield)
Cookie Cutter Ornaments
Step 1
Just a few ingredients are needed to make birdseed ornaments.
(Image: mavis butterfield)
In a large bowl, mix together the flour, water, corn syrup and gelatin to form a smooth paste.
Step 2
Flour helps bind the birdseed mixture.
(Image: mavis butterfield)
Slowly add the birdseed to the paste and combine until the birdseed is fully coated. Melt 1 pound of lard and add to mixture.
Step 3
Make gingerbread men, candy cane or even snowman-shaped ornaments.
(Image: mavis butterfield)
Place the cookie cutters on a parchment paper-lined pan and coat the cookie cutters with cooking spray. Spoon the birdseed mixture into the cookie cutters. Press the mixture down firmly with the back on the spoon to pack the mixture into the cookie cutters as tight as possible.
Step 4
Use a straw to make a hole at the top of the ornament.
(Image: mavis butterfield)
Cut straws into 3-inch segments and press the straw into the top one-fourth of the birdseed-filled cookie cutter. Make sure the hole goes all the way through the mixture. Leave the straw in the ornament and allow to dry for 3 to 4 hours.
Step 5
Twine serves as a hanger for the birdseed ornament.
(Image: mavis butterfield)
Once the birdseed ornaments have dried, take out the straw and carefully remove the ornaments from the cookie cutters. Allow to harden overnight in the freezer.
Step 6
The birds will thank you.
(Image: mavis butterfield)
Run a piece of twine through the hole at the top of the ornament. Hang the completed ornament in a tree for the birds to enjoy.
Pinecone Birdseed Balls
Step 1
Pinecone birdseed balls attract birds to your yard.
(Image: Debbie Williams)
Gather pinecones, peanut butter, oatmeal, birdseed, cranberries and evergreen cuttings (optional).
Step 2
Mix peanut butter and oatmeal.
(Image: Debbie Williams)
Mix 1/4 c of oatmeal into 1/2 c of peanut butter.
Step 3
Filling the pinecones is messy fun.
(Image: Debbie Williams)
Press the peanut butter mixture into the pinecones.
Step 4
Kids love this part.
(Image: Debbie Williams)
Roll the pinecones in birdseed, pressing the seeds into the peanut butter mixture.
Step 5
Tie the knots tightly.
(Image: Debbie Williams)
Wrap twine around the pinecone and tie a knot at the top of a hanging loop.
Step 6
Decorate the birdseed balls.
(Image: Debbie Williams)
Add peanut butter to the top of the pinecone and top with evergreen cuttings and cranberries.
Step 7
Looks delicious!
(Image: Debbie Williams)
Repeat to create pinecones for your own yard and maybe even as gifts for neighbors and friends.
Step 8
Lovely.
(Image: Debbie Williams)
Hang the pinecones in trees and watch for birds!
Warning
The cookie cutter ornaments will fall apart in warm weather. If the temperature in your yard typically rises above freezing, try the pinecone version instead.